Robert Waldby
Robert Waldby was an English friar of the Order of Saint Augustine who served in diplomatic roles for Edward, the Black Prince, and later King Richard II. He was a prominent opponent of John Wycliffe and held several episcopal sees, culminating in his appointment as Archbishop of York. Waldby died in 1397 and is buried in Westminster Abbey.
Key Facts
- ›Native of York and friar of the Order of Saint Augustine.
- ›Undertook diplomatic missions for Edward, the Black Prince, in Aquitaine.
- ›A firm opponent of John Wycliffe, and a member of the Synod at Oxford in 1382.
- ›Served as Bishop of Aire and Chancellor of Aquitaine.
- ›Translated to the archbishopric of Dublin in 1390 and later to the bishopric of Chichester.
- ›Became Archbishop of York in 1396 and died in 1397.
- Diplomatic Missions On Behalf of Edward, the Black Prince
- Opponent of John Wycliffe
- Member of the Synod Which Assembled At Oxford In 1382 To Judge Wycliffe's Orthodoxy
- Bishop of Aire
- Chancellor of Aquitaine
- Archbishop of Dublin
- Bishop of Chichester
About Robert Waldby
Robert Waldby was a native of York and a friar of the Order of Saint Augustine who rose to prominence through diplomatic service and ecclesiastical appointments. He followed Edward, the Black Prince, into Aquitaine, undertaking numerous diplomatic missions on his behalf. After studying at Toulouse and becoming a professor of theology there, Waldby later became closely associated with Edward's son, King Richard II.
Opposition to John Wycliffe
A significant aspect of Waldby's career was his firm opposition to John Wycliffe. He authored a book specifically denouncing Wycliffe and participated in the Synod that assembled at Oxford in 1382 to assess Wycliffe's orthodoxy. This demonstrates his role in the theological and doctrinal disputes of the late 14th century.
Episcopal Career
Waldby's episcopal career saw him hold several significant positions. While there is a possibility he served as Bishop of Sodor and Man in 1381, he definitively became Bishop of Aire in Gascony in 1387, also serving as Chancellor of Aquitaine. On November 14, 1390, with the strong support of King Richard II, he was translated to the archbishopric of Dublin in Ireland. He received his temporalities for the See in July 1391 and was tasked with defending Leinster against hostile Irish clans, succeeding in relieving Naas.
Despite his efforts in Ireland, Waldby was reportedly unhappy and sought to return to England. After five years in Dublin, he was translated to the bishopric of Chichester in England on October 25, 1395. His ecclesiastical journey concluded when he became Archbishop of York on October 5, 1396.
Death and Burial
Robert Waldby died on December 29, 1397. His bishopric was sede vacante on January 6, 1398. He was buried in the Chapel of St. Edmund in Westminster Abbey, where his monumental brass remains as a testament to his life and service.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Robert Waldby?
Robert Waldby was an English friar of the Order of Saint Augustine who became a significant figure in church and diplomacy. He undertook diplomatic missions for Edward, the Black Prince, and King Richard II, and was a notable opponent of John Wycliffe.
What were Robert Waldby's key roles in the church?
Waldby held several important ecclesiastical positions. He was Bishop of Aire in Gascony, Chancellor of Aquitaine, Archbishop of Dublin, Bishop of Chichester, and ultimately Archbishop of York.
What was Robert Waldby's stance on John Wycliffe?
Robert Waldby was a staunch opponent of John Wycliffe. He wrote a book denouncing Wycliffe's teachings and was a member of the Synod at Oxford in 1382, which convened to judge Wycliffe's orthodoxy.
Where is Robert Waldby buried?
Robert Waldby was buried in the Chapel of St. Edmund in Westminster Abbey. His monumental brass still remains in the chapel.
Related Archbishops
Accepted Frewen
Accepted Frewen served as Archbishop of York from 1660 to 1664. Previously Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, he was deprived of his see by Parliament in 1646 during the Commonwealth and Protectorate, even having a price set on his head. He escaped to France and returned to public life at the Restoration.
Ælfric Puttoc
Ælfric Puttoc served as Archbishop of York from 1023 until his death in 1051, also briefly holding the Bishopric of Worcester. He played a role in the coronations of English kings and was known for promoting the cult of John of Beverley and founding houses of canons.
Alexander Neville
Alexander Neville was a late medieval prelate who served as the Archbishop of York from 1374 to 1388. Born into a powerful northern English family, he held several ecclesiastical appointments before his elevation to Archbishop. His tenure was marked by accusations of treason, leading to his flight and eventual translation to the Scottish see of St. Andrews, though he never took possession.